Tom Holland’s Heartfelt Confession About Zendaya—Why She’s His ‘Best Thing Ever’ on Set

Tom Holland and Zendaya’s collaboration on-screen has become iconic, with their on-screen chemistry in the Spider-Man series being just the tip of the iceberg in their professional and personal relationship. As their partnership continues to evolve, Holland has openly discussed the dynamic that makes working with Zendaya so special. In interviews throughout 2024 and 2025, Holland has highlighted the comfort, trust, and mutual understanding that make their collaborations not only successful but personally rewarding.

Relationship and Professional Context

Holland and Zendaya first met while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, and their on-screen partnership as Peter Parker and MJ has since been a central element of the Spider-Man films. Their relationship extended beyond the Marvel universe, with Holland and Zendaya confirming their romantic relationship in 2021. Despite their fame, the couple has maintained a strong boundary when it comes to privacy. In a November 2021 interview with GQ, Holland candidly spoke about the challenges of living under the public’s microscope, stating, “One of the downsides of our fame is that privacy isn’t really in our control anymore.” Their ability to navigate such challenges together reflects the bond they share, both professionally and personally.

As of April 2025, their collaboration is set to continue with the much-anticipated Spider-Man 4, slated for release in July 2026, and a project with acclaimed director Christopher Nolan. The couple has made it a point to stay engaged in each other’s professional lives. Holland revealed in an October 2024 interview on the Rich Roll Podcast that he and Zendaya read the Spider-Man 4 script together, a moment that brought excitement as they “bounced around the living room,” sharing enthusiasm for the upcoming project (Teen Vogue).

Insights into On-Set Dynamics

A standout reflection from Holland on working with Zendaya came in a December 2024 interview on the Dish podcast, where he described their on-set interactions as a “saving grace” and the “best thing that’s ever happened” to him. He spoke of the “familiar glance” they share when disagreeing with a director’s note, a moment of unspoken communication that allows them to later discuss their thoughts together. This highlights the deep mutual understanding and comfort between the two, which enhances their performances and on-set experience. It’s clear that their working relationship goes beyond simple collaboration—it’s a partnership built on trust and shared understanding.

Earlier interviews have only reinforced this sentiment. In 2023, Zendaya spoke about Holland’s unwavering support during the filming of Euphoria, revealing that he visited the set “at least 30 times” to offer encouragement and help her detach from the emotional toll of her role (Vogue). Holland, in turn, has praised Zendaya’s ability to handle the pressures of fame, noting in a 2021 GQ interview that “having her in my life was so instrumental to my sanity.” This mutual support extends beyond their romantic relationship and is central to their professional bond.

Public and Social Media Reflections

Public reactions to Holland’s comments about Zendaya have been widely discussed on social media, particularly on platforms like X. In December 2024, multiple X posts from outlets like PopBase and Variety highlighted Holland’s comments about Zendaya being a “saving grace” during their collaborations, receiving millions of views and indicating widespread public interest in their dynamic. For example, a post by PopBase amassed 6.7 million views, further underscoring the immense fan curiosity surrounding their working relationship.

Comparative Analysis and Speculation

While Holland has not explicitly stated, “my favorite thing is…” in a single quote, his recurring themes across various interviews suggest that it’s the comfort and support they provide for each other that stand out most. In a 2021 interview with British GQ, Holland mentioned how Zendaya’s presence helped him cope with the pressures of fame, which closely ties to the ease with which they work together. Zendaya’s own comments in a November 2024 Vanity Fair interview reflect a similar sentiment, describing their collaborations as “second nature” and stating that she feels “extra safe” with Holland (Marie Claire UK). These sentiments confirm that the foundation of their partnership is built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to their craft.

Conclusion

Tom Holland’s reflections on working with Zendaya offer a heartening look at the personal and professional bond they share. Beyond their on-screen chemistry, Holland’s description of Zendaya as a “saving grace” highlights the deep trust and comfort that allows them to create magic together. Whether on the set of Spider-Man or other projects, their dynamic is a testament to the power of mutual support in high-pressure environments. Fans and colleagues alike have come to appreciate the seamless synergy between them, which is not only central to their roles as actors but also reflective of the strong connection they share off-screen.